Thoughts from The Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Tuesday, 04 April 2023 12:06

Be not afraid
A little boy came to his father, looking much in earnest and asked: “Is Satan bigger than I am?” “Yes, my son, I’m afraid he is,” came the reply. “Is he bigger than you are, Daddy?” Again the reply was unsettling, “Yes, Satan is larger than your dad.” The little boy looked surprised, maybe even desperate but he thought further and asked one last question: “Is Satan bigger than Jesus?” “No, my boy, Satan is not bigger than Jesus.” As the little boy turned away, he said with a relieved smile, “Then I’m not afraid of him.”

We can appreciate the desperation of the little boy when we remember that most little boys think that no one is bigger or stronger than their own fathers. We can also understand the strong reason for asking such a question in the first place. The Bible tells us to: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Pet 5:8). With a description of Satan like that, one would naturally worry a bit about just how powerful he really is.

I remember the picture on the Red-Devil Lye container that used to be sold in grocery stores of the devil with horns, a long many-pronged pitch fork, and painted all red. For years that was my image of what Satan looked like. He was mean and he was bad. My mind’s picture of him has changed a bit through the years. Paul suggests a different image: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Cor. 11:14-15). Satan can look any way he wants to in his quest to conquer our souls. Actually that makes him far more dangerous. He could be the man in the pulpit, or the neighbor next door, or at least he could use them as agents of destruction.

It causes me to want to draw very close to God for security against such a force that has led millions upon millions of careless souls astray: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4: 7-10).

Jesus assured us that He is indeed stronger: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb 2:14).

“And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (Rom 16:20). We don’t have to be afraid, but we do have to draw close to our Lord for safety.

The author can be reached for comments at 256.574.2489.

-Terry Broome